William stempski, DDS and Stephanie Burrell, DDS. Dental, Oneida Community Health Center, 525 Airport Rd., Oneida, WI 54155, 920-869-4856, sburrell@oneidanation.org

Oneida Dental serves a rural, Native American Population. The Reservation, located in Northeastern Wisconsin, has recorded the Native population as one of the largest in the state. The 2000 Census noted the population has grown by 68% over previous years.

Last year, Dental treated over 23,000 patients. Eighty-five percent of patients are unable to seek care elsewhere due to financial difficulties, lack of transportation, and social constraints. Currently, clinical staffing consists of nine; with two full time dentist, 1 hygienist and 6 ancillary staff. Two dental assistants provide Expanded Function duties as defined by the Indian Health Service. A collaboration also exists with Marquette Univ.’s School of Dentistry, Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College and Fox Valley Technical College.

When compared to the Private Practice Model for the United States, where one dentist averages 1900 patients, it can be noted that Oneida Dental is forced to surmount a large burden due to manpower shortages. Oneida Dental has addressed two specific areas of the Surgeon General’s: A National Call To Action To Promote Oral Health. Dental has worked diligently to change Community perceptions and to overcome barriers to health care. Preventative programs targeting specific populations within the Oneida Community have been developed.

The Early Childhood Caries Prevention program targets expectant moms in the second trimester of pregnancy. The Fluoride Varnish Clinic targets children between the ages of 0 to 5 years of age. The School Based Sealant/Fluoride Varnish Program targets Tribal Day Care/ Head Start Centers, and the Tribal School.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Use Oneida Dental as a model clinic for the provision of Preventative Services to a Rural Minority Population.
• Utilize the Dental Hygienist as a Public Health Prevention Officer.
• Accomplish many of the goals outlined in the Surgeon General's Healthy People 2010 report and the National Call To Action to Promote Oral Health Report.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.